The Arunachal Pradesh Indigenous Youth Organisation (APIYO) has rejected the state government’s proposal to address concerns over alleged illegal structures and immigration through a High-Power Committee (HPC), insisting that immediate action should be taken instead of forming another committee. Addressing a press conference at the Arunachal Press Club in Itanagar on Wednesday, APIYO president Taro Sonam Liyak said the organisation was not interested in participating in any new committee-based process and urged the government to directly enforce existing laws. “We do not want another committee. If the government is serious about resolving the issue, it should directly enforce the law and dismantle illegal structures,” Liyak said. The organisation reiterated its demand for the demolition of what it described as unauthorised mosque structures in the Itanagar Capital Region (ICR). APIYO maintained that it had consciously stayed away from the government’s consultative process and alleged that concerns regarding undocumented immigrants had not been adequately addressed.
The youth body also criticised the constitution of a committee on illegal infiltration and immigration, claiming that despite consistently raising the issue over the years, it had not been included in the panel formed by the government. Responding to allegations made by the All Arunachal Pradesh Masjid Welfare Committee (AAPMWC) that the movement was targeting a particular religious community, Liyak said the organisation’s stand was not against any religion. He asserted that APIYO’s concerns were centred on illegal immigration and unauthorised constructions rather than matters of faith. The organisation questioned whether authorities could fully verify the citizenship status of all non-local Muslims residing in the state. It alleged that illegal Bangladeshi and Rohingya immigrants may have entered Arunachal Pradesh and called for a comprehensive verification drive covering residents, labourers, business operators and Inner Line Permit holders. APIYO further argued that if around 1,000 people were associated with each of the 15 mosque structures identified in the ICR, the overall number would be substantial and should be properly verified. It also sought scrutiny of mosques and a madrasa located in districts such as East Siang and Lohit, calling for a statewide verification exercise.
The state government, however, has maintained that action has already been taken against unauthorised religious structures. Government spokesperson and Education Minister Pasang Dorjee Sona recently stated that all 15 mosque structures identified by the district administration as operating without the required approvals in the ICR had been shut down after following due legal procedures. APIYO contended that closure alone was not enough and reiterated its demand that the structures be demolished in accordance with the law. The organisation claimed it had documentary evidence to support its concerns and said the materials had already been submitted to the Chief Minister’s Office during a meeting held on January 17.
